Roman Beats

I'm the Beatboxer, They're the Rappers

The skinny

On this CD, 26 year old Florida resident Roman Beats gives a masterclass in backing MCs. The beats are varied, tight and complement what the MCs are doing at all times. The 16 tracks on this CD feature an impressive 12 collaborations, and the MCs on offer deliver a wide variety of subject matter, from Imajin's deep spiritually inspired flow on "Free" through Logic's smooth ladywooing to Strat's street-level poetic vibes.

Vibe and peoples

Some tracks (such as "B Girl") feature layered beats and samples, some have turntable scratching ("Skip"), whereas some are straight from the mic, such as the album's stand-out track, "Think". The thought-provoking rhymes of Strat and Roman's restrained yet creative beats work together perfectly and give the track a true resonance. This is perhaps the greatest strength of the album - the restraint. At no point is Roman showing skills for the sake of it, yet he runs the gamut through all types of snares, click rolls, scratches and bass sounds - Roman displays the wide range of skills he has developed in his 6 years as a beatboxer. Layered sounds, scratches, cut-up beats and loops are all present. The track "Roman Can't Rap" is Roman's own attempt at rapping and is deliberately sketchy and lo-fi as he spews hysterically funny, and horribly wrong, lyrics. It has a certain charm, although it sounds like it was recorded in a tin bathtub! Track "Not A Rumour" addresses the common conception that beatboxers have oral skills beyond merely making funny sounds, and let's just say you wouldn't want it on your iTunes when you mum enters your room!

Sonic boom

Getting a strong dynamic range from an unlayered beatbox is a tough thing to do, but production is clean and clear throughout. You can hear everything, but a more rounded bass sound on tracks like "Graffic Approach" would have given the song a bit more kick. The layered tracks such as "De Cora" and the fat, funky "Beat Chill" have more beef, as you would expect. Generally, this is very well produced, nice and crisp.

Who will be feeling this most?

Although it has wide ranging appeal, this isn't a "killer crossover album" that is likely to convert swathes of people to hip hop loving beatboxers, however it comes strongly recommended to any beatboxers who want to know how to perform with an MC and have both of you look strong and do your thing.

Sources/references/links

Interview with Roman Beats

Roman Beats myspace

Available as an MP3 download from